GOLF: Laker learning fast at college in US (From Bicester Advertiser)

GOLF: Laker learning fast at college in US

10:00am Thursday 11th October 2012 in Sport By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

AN Oxfordshire golfer has been quick to make the most of a golf scholarship in the United States – winning in only her second tournament.

Abi Laker, who represents Frilford Heath, won the Marilynn Smith Sunflower Invitation by a massive eight strokes at Alvamar Golf Course in Lawrence, Kansas.

It gave the 18-year-old a perfect start to her golf scholarship at Arkansas State University (ASU).

Laker opened with a two-over par 74, but bounced back to shoot 69 in the second round – the best 18-hole total in the tournament.

It gave the Witney golfer a three-stroke lead heading into the final round and she went on to increase her advantage.

A largely trouble-free two-under par round of 70 led to a comfortable victory.

Laker said: “My driving (in the final round) worked well, putting me in good positions where I could go for the pins and I hit my irons well, so I managed to get close.”

ASU head coach MJ Desbiens Shaw said: “Abi played really well and was able to minimise her mistakes to put together three good rounds.

“To do that in just her second collegiate tournament I think shows a lot of maturity and is something any coach would be excited to see in a freshman.”

Laker followed it up with another strong performance in her next tournament.

She was again the pick of the ASU team, finishing sixth at the ORU Shootout in Tulsa, Oklahoma.